LGA CEO Nimal Defends Cabinet’s Proposed Power to Reclaim Council Lands
9 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | އާދީއްތަ 08:36The CEO of the Local Government Authority (LGA), Mohamed Nimal, has defended a proposed amendment to the Decentralization Act amid growing opposition from several local councils. While critics argue that the legislative change is a deliberate attempt to undermine the powers and autonomy of local authorities, Nimal maintains the necessity of the reform.
Mohamed Nimal, CEO of the Local Government Authority. | Presidents Office
Mohamed Nimal, the CEO of the Local Government Authority (LGA), has defended a proposed amendment to the Decentralization Act that would grant the Cabinet the power to remove land and properties from a council’s jurisdiction for the purpose of government development projects.
Speaking to state media, Nimal alleged that while the government intends to implement development projects across various islands, some councils are refusing to allocate the necessary land. He further noted that the Local Government Authority (LGA) has received several such complaints, adding that these obstructions are causing significant delays to development initiatives.
Nimal stated that the proposed amendment to the Decentralization Act would accelerate the implementation of projects across various islands. He further noted that the government reclaiming land from a local council does not hinder the council's ability to provide services.
The government-sponsored bill was introduced by Abdul Hannaan Aboobakuru, the independent Member of Parliament for the Thulhaadhoo constituency. In response, the local councils of Thulhaadhoo and Fehendhoo within the constituency have issued a resolution condemning MP Hannaan as an embarrassment to the region and demanding the immediate withdrawal of the proposed amendment.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration is working to centralize local government powers by introducing various amendments to the Decentralization Act. Nimal’s defense of these proposed legislative changes comes at a time when he has officially announced his candidacy for the vice presidency of the People's National Congress (PNC).
